Innovation and vision: the Akademia Alumni Mark

The Akademia programme of the Bankinter Innovation Foundation has a lasting impact on its students. Throughout 2023, we had the opportunity to interview 36 of his alumni, each of them standing out for their unique trajectory and their approach to innovation. This article explores the common characteristics among these innovators, highlighting how Akademia has influenced their vision and approach to innovation. We invite you to discover these “in” minds and read the interviews we have had with them.

Akademia alumni commonalities

Akademia alumni present a fascinating set of traits and shared experiences that highlight the transformative impact of this program on their professional and personal lives. Firstly, a standout feature among them is their unwavering passion for innovation, evident in the diversity of fields in which they have applied their skills, from quantum technology to artificial intelligence to biotechnology. This passion is complemented by an expanded vision of innovation, not only focused on technical solutions, but also on an integrative approach that values economic, environmental and social sustainability.

Another common trait is the diversity of perspectives they bring to their respective fields. Coming from diverse academic disciplines and career paths, these alumni enrich the ability to address complex problems in a collaborative and multidisciplinary manner. The experience at Akademia has expanded their understanding of innovation, leading them to integrate practical and sustainable approaches into their work.

Akademia’s influence on these people highlights the importance of human interaction and collaboration in the innovative process. The opportunity to interact with experts and peers from various disciplines has been essential in fostering an open and collaborative mindset, a crucial skill in today’s interconnected world. In short, these Akademia alumni embody a unique combination of passion, expanded vision, and a collaborative perspective, key elements in driving innovation today and in the future.

Impact of Akademia on students

Akademia’s impact on its students is remarkable and multifaceted. This initiative of the Bankinter Innovation Foundation has been much more than a simple educational programme; It has acted as a catalyst for change, expanding participants’ vision and focus towards innovation. Students have undergone a significant transformation in their understanding of what it means to innovate. Beyond a purely technical approach, they have learned to integrate sustainability and social value into their projects, taking a more holistic and practical view of innovation.

Interaction with experts and peers from a wide variety of disciplines has been a key component of the program. This diversity has enriched the mindset of students, fostering a collaborative and multidisciplinary learning environment. It has allowed participants to open their minds to new perspectives, which is crucial for fostering an open and collaborative innovation mindset.

In addition, alumni highlight Akademia for its hands-on approach, providing students with tools and methods that move away from theory to focus on the actual application of innovative ideas. This has prepared learners to meet real-world challenges, equipping them not only with technical knowledge, but also with a renewed mindset towards the effective implementation of innovative solutions. In short, Akademia has been a springboard that has allowed its students not only to learn about innovation, but to live it and apply it in their respective fields.

The impact of the Akademia program on its students is significantly influenced by key figures such as Fernando Alfaro and Raquel Puente. Fernando Alfaro, known for his firm belief that the only real competitive advantage is learning before everyone else, has played a crucial role in fostering among students a mindset of learning quickly and effectively what it means to innovate. On the other hand, Raquel Puente has been fundamental in creating the right environment for students to be fully involved in their learning process. Her ability to motivate and guide students has contributed greatly to them immersing themselves deeply in the knowledge and skills taught in the program. Together, Fernando and Raquel have created an atmosphere that not only teaches, but also inspires and prepares students to be innovative leaders in their respective fields.

Here are the protagonists

The diversity and talent of the 36 Akademia alumni we interviewed are a reflection of the breadth and depth of this program. These individuals, with backgrounds ranging from Law to Quantum Computing, have proven to be leaders and visionaries in their fields. Their work spans an impressive range of activities: from designing satellite orbits for NASA, to researching innovative bacteria with the potential to degrade microplastics, to becoming serial entrepreneurs who are reshaping industries with their disruptive ideas. These protagonists, each in their own unique way, are achieving remarkable achievements in their respective areas and contributing significantly to the advancement of technology, sustainability, and innovation. Here we introduce you to each of them, and what they were doing at the time of interviewing them. If you want to read the interviews we held, click on the names and you will access them.

• Chaume Sánchez Alepuz, technology innovator and talent, leading and connecting communities at GeeksHubs.
• Beñat Galdós, founder of Galde, facilitating the digitalisation of startups and professionals.
• David Garrido and Rubén Nieto, founders of Karis Digital, innovating in mental health.
• Alba Molina, leading open innovation projects at Cuatrecasas.
• Laura Martínez, Technical Director of EuroCC, integrating new technologies into the business fabric.
• Ángel Estévez, scientific researcher in the production of microbial proteins and bioplastics.
• Marina Calzada, expert in Big Data, facilitating medical and pharmaceutical research.
• Andrea Gil Ruiz, Algorithms Leader at PlenOptika, bringing eye health to the whole world.
• Borja Sánchez, Biomedical Engineer, co-promoting a startup in ophthalmology.
• José Cubelos and Santiago Puértolas, engineers at Google, combining technology and startups in an international career.
• Alexa Bertó, AI developer in the financial sector, finding innovative solutions.
• Aitor Toichoa, expert in AI and robotics, defining the future of cobots.
• Alberto Navarro, innovator in infrastructure, merging economics and engineering.
• Omar Pera, AI entrepreneur, from CERN to Meta.
• Ángel Fraga, an expert in organizational transformation, connecting and empowering talent.
• Andrés Dono, an aerospace engineer at NASA, tracing paths in space.
• Carmen Ruiz de Clavijo, innovator in knowledge management, digitizing the humanities.
• Anna Díaz Tena, entrepreneur in circular economy, redefining sustainability.
• David Barbas, Machine Learning expert, innovating at the intersection of AI and industry.
• María Bardisa, a telecommunications engineer who is passionate about growing and making others grow.
• Andrea García, entrepreneur in sustainable mobility, innovating in carpooling.
• Joan Tubau, creative and innovative economist, designing careers with purpose.
• Raúl García, visionary in digital transformation, redefining the application of technology.
• Marina de Brito, aerospace engineer, elevating virtual reality to new horizons.
• Helena Moralejo, a pioneer in biotechnology, promoting sustainable agriculture.
• David Ortega, innovative journalist, transforming modern communication.
• Fernando Rivas, Machine Learning researcher, reinventing computer vision.
• Francesc Julià, innovative and creative CEO, redesigning the world of interior design and decoration.
• Daniel Salrach, leader in Supply Chain, forging paths in sustainability and digitalization.
• Joan Vázquez, visionary mathematician, promoting research as a driver of innovation in Europe.
• David López, quantum explorer, merging physics and humour at the frontier of knowledge.
• Álvaro Silva, water innovator, bringing sustainability to the water sector.
• Francisco Micó, serial entrepreneur transforming finance through technology.
• Víctor Pittaluga, connector of worlds through innovation in telecommunications.

If you are a university student looking to expand your horizons, the Akademia program of the Bankinter Innovation Foundation offers you a unique opportunity. This program, in its first edition of 204, brings together students from prestigious universities such as the Carlos III University of Madrid, the Pontifical University of Comillas, the University of Navarra, the University of Barcelona, the Pompeu Fabra University and the University of Salamanca. It is more than an educational program; It’s a transformative journey that prepares you to be a leader in innovation. Check the 2024 call!